[Give Chances] September Weekly Newsletter 3

We're thrilled to announce that we're finally wrapping up preparations and eagerly awaiting the arrival of attendees to two incredible events that hold a special place in our hearts. Mark your calendars and prepare to be a part of something truly remarkable!

Love & Sharing Concert - September 27, 2023

The highly anticipated annual Love & Sharing Concert is set to take place on September 27, 2023, at 100 Grove Street, Tenafly, NJ 07670. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience where the power of music will intertwine with our shared dedication to creating equal opportunities for all.

Your presence and support at this concert will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Not only will you enjoy a captivating evening of entertainment, but you will also directly contribute to Give Chances' mission. 

This year’s Love & Sharing Concert serves a greater purpose beyond the music. It stands as a testament to our collective determination to build a new headquarters for Give Chances. This new space will be more than just a physical structure; it will be a place where dreams are nurtured, talents are honed, and barriers are overcome. With classrooms, art studios, vocational training facilities, counseling rooms, and community spaces, our new headquarters will provide a safe and inclusive environment for individuals to flourish.

By attending the concert, you will directly contribute to the construction of our new headquarters. Your support will enable us to create a space where dreams can take flight, and where our participants can receive the support they need to thrive.

Annual DDartists Exhibition - September 25 to September 29

Get ready to immerse yourself in a realm of imagination and inspiration! The much-awaited Annual DDartists Exhibition is right around the corner, and we're thrilled to extend our warm invitation to you.

From September 25th to September 29th, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, a transformative event awaits you at 100 Grove St, Tenafly, NJ. The canvas of this year's exhibition is ready to unfurl, adorned with the incredible artwork of our DDartists.

DDartists, a unique initiative by Give Chances, is dedicated to nurturing the artistic talents of individuals with developmental disabilities. Through the medium of art, we offer a platform for self-expression, a stage to showcase remarkable talents, and a bridge to foster understanding and camaraderie within the community.

Prepare to be captivated by a gallery brimming with diverse artworks, each a testament to the dedication and innovation of our DDartists. Every stroke of the brush and every composition tells a story, offering a glimpse into their world and perspective.

The Annual DDartists Exhibition transcends being merely an art show; it's an embodiment of our commitment to embracing diversity, dismantling barriers, and fostering a society where inclusivity reigns supreme. 

We're excited to share a recap of our recent and very first Zoom board meeting, where we delved into the dynamic topic of leadership styles and strategies for creating highly effective teams.

Exploring Leadership Styles

During our inaugural Zoom board meeting, we embarked on a thought-provoking journey into the diverse world of leadership styles. It was truly enlightening to see how our council members bring a wealth of leadership tendencies to the table, each contributing a unique perspective and approach to leadership.

We discussed how understanding and embracing these diverse styles can be a powerful catalyst for building teams that are not only diverse in makeup but also in leadership methodologies. Recognizing that leadership comes in various forms, we explored ways to leverage these differences to create harmonious and high-performing teams.

Collaborative Teamwork for Success

A central theme that emerged from our discussion was the importance of collaboration. We recognized that while our leadership styles may vary, our shared goal is to create positive and lasting impacts in our communities. Collaborating effectively is the key to turning this goal into a reality.

We brainstormed strategies for enhancing collaboration among our council members and their respective teams. Sharing best practices and learning from each other's experiences will be instrumental in fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.

Professional Development Opportunities

One of the highlights of our meeting was the discussion surrounding professional development opportunities. These workshops will cover a range of topics, including internships, summer programs, and other pathways to professional growth. Our aim is to equip members with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their leadership roles and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve.

Next Meeting: Overcoming Biases and Oppression

We're already looking forward to our next meeting, where we will tackle the crucial topics of biases and oppression. These are subjects that require thoughtful exploration and collective effort to address effectively.

Our discussion will revolve around identifying biases within ourselves and our organizations and discussing strategies to overcome them. We'll also explore ways to combat oppression and promote inclusivity in all aspects of our work.

In the spirit of giving back, we are thrilled to highlight one of our incredible Give Chances volunteers, Sun Hee Cho, and her heartwarming journey of generosity. Sun Hee recently organized a bake sale at an art exhibition where she was a part of, and selflessly donated the proceeds to Give Chances. We were deeply moved by her act of kindness and wanted to share her reflections on this remarkable endeavor.

Sun Hee shared, "The annual exhibition took a lot of time and dedication from all seniors at Studio YM. We worked together to prepare the space, prepare art pieces, and worked with the underclassmen to make sure they were also ready for the exhibition."

Sun Hee's dedication to making the Studio YM 13th Annual Exhibition a success is truly admirable. Her efforts not only resulted in a captivating event but also led to a significant contribution to Give Chances.

Moreover, Sun Hee expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended the exhibition and donated. She recognized the pivotal role the audience played in their collective ability to make a meaningful donation to Give Chances.

"During the exhibition our bake sale and raffle raised money for Give Chances and we are so happy that we were able to donate and help a local organization with a mission to help underprivileged kids and their journey with art," Sun Hee added.

For those interested in following Sun Hee's journey and staying connected, you can find her on Instagram at @studioym24seniors.

Sun Hee's selfless act and commitment to giving back remind us all of the power of community and the positive impact that each individual can make. We are incredibly thankful for volunteers who continue to inspire us with their compassion and dedication to our mission of giving chances to those in need.